1
as in enacting
to put into effect through legislative or authoritative action
the city council promises to lay down new ordinances that will force dog walkers to clean up after their animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in declaring
to state clearly and strongly
at the risk of their popularity, the parents laid down the rules for the party and wouldn't accept any arguments
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3
as in specifying
to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly
the supervisor laid down the procedure for a complaint of sexual harassment
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4
as in relinquishing
to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress
commanded the surrounded troops to lay down their weapons
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laying down
Verb
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Directs independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to resume enacting congressional district maps in 2031.—
Jon Coupal,
Oc Register,
31 Aug. 2025 -
The bill was pitched as a post-disaster relief measure, preventing counties hit by hurricanes from enacting moratoriums, raising impact fees or altering land-use rules during recovery.—
Josh Salman,
Miami Herald,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In effect, the central bank is declaring climate not just an environmental threat but a financial hazard that must be priced into core monetary operations.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Elsewhere a group of white residents hold up banners declaring their — and Algeria’s — allegiance to France.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Reimbursements fall within thresholds the company sets in advance, specifying the number of hours of bad weather that must occur to qualify and the financial compensation to which a purchaser is entitled.—
Elaine Pofeldt,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
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When asked on Thursday if there are still migrants at Guantanamo, the Department of Homeland Security told CNN that there are, without specifying the number or nationalities, and said the possibility of sending more migrants remains open.—
Mauricio Torres,
CNN Money,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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His mother would soon pass, and Agee hadn’t had the opportunity to find a new place to live after relinquishing his apartment pre-Suicide Squad.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Aug. 2025
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While a strong federal government may be central to the Democratic Party's identity, maintaining that objective likely requires relinquishing control from the capital and encouraging state politicos to explore new ways to achieve success.—
Alex J. Rouhandeh,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The improvements came in the passing attack, with wideout Javen Nicholas recording a career-best 11 catches for 122 yards, coming just one shy of tying Austin Duke’s program reception record of 12.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Sep. 2025
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This phenomenon is caused by sunlight passing through the Earth’s ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, Russell said.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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While the Caravan were representing the Southland well out of state, Lincoln-Way East was asserting its dominance back in Illinois.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Sep. 2025
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Offensive line coach Alex Mirabal said as much in late July, asserting that Okunlola — a former five-star recruit — could start at any ACC school.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Impact of 'Bluey' There's no doubt that Bluey is one of those shows that's defining our current era.—
De Elizabeth,
Parents,
3 Sep. 2025
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The company has positioned itself to revive theatrical Hindi-language cinema through genre-defining storytelling.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Iconic stories like the Omega Speedmaster timing the re-entry of Apollo 13—rendering it a life-saving and critical device—have cemented the Chronograph’s standing with enthusiasts worldwide.—
Thor Svaboe,
Robb Report,
28 Aug. 2025
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But Shor’s algorithm—a quantum breakthrough—can solve these math problems in minutes, rendering today’s cryptography obsolete.—
Sumera Riaz,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Laying down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laying%20down. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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